Home Study Tips

During this period, a lot of people are going to be staying at home. With that in mind, we decided to put together some helpful study tips for teachers, students, and parents.

How Videos Help

Difficult questions can make you feel like you want to rip your hair out. No matter how many times you look at the theory or the correct method of working the question out, it just does not seem to sink in. It’s a feeling a lot of students experience. But, there is no need to fret – you simply need to change the way you are studying.

One option to consider is video. There are many videos available today, showing how to work out the answers to questions. So, what is so good about using video as part of your revision sessions? There are actually numerous benefits. Firstly, most of the human brain is dedicated to processing visual information. We respond quickly to visuals, making this the most efficient method of learning for most people. The best thing to do is look for videos that accommodate past papers. By doing this, you have the closest thing to the home tutor experience. 

Videos tell a story, and this makes it easy for people to use. They also facilitate self-study, which is a must when studying for your exams. Even if you are a social learner, there are going to be times when you need to study alone, and videos can help to make this time as effective as possible. Also, when comparing videos to written resources, you can see things in a step-by-step process with a video. This is not possible with written resources, which is why video is particularly useful for the most difficult subjects. 

Use Past Exam Papers

You will be able to find exam papers online, but you do need to be careful regarding where you source them. The last thing you want to do is practice with a paper that is not genuine. This is why you need to acquire your exam papers from a credible website. 

How can you make sure this is the case? Well, do a little bit of digging online. Read reviews that have been left by people that have used the website before for past papers. If you come across a lot of bag comments, you know to look elsewhere. Aside from this, it is a good idea to look for a revision website that provides a lot more than just the past papers. They should have numerous revision tools. 

Video content can be extremely useful in explaining how to work out different questions, and it is something those with a degree in Educational Leadership are using more frequently to aid their teaching. The company should also provide you with the answers to the past papers. The best companies will not simply give you the final answer; they will provide an in-depth display of how they go to this point, helping you to prepare for your exam more effectively. You should expect to pay for a service like this. Nevertheless, it should not cost a fortune, and it is definitely worth the money.

How To Memorise Important Theory

Some subjects will require you to memorise important theory. Unlike other subjects, you cannot simply memorise the answers to a maths exam, as you need to know how to apply the theory correctly. However, this does not mean that there is no memorising involved – you still need to remember processes, theory and methods. 

Let’s begin with the most obvious, yet arguably most important, tip of them all – practise, practise and practise some more! This is where exam papers come in really useful. You can go over these practise papers again and again until you master the theory. After you have practised something a number of times, it will become ingrained in your mind. 

Another top tip for getting information into your brain and keeping it there is to get the necessary sleep you require. This is because sleep plays a vital role in memory consolidation. You also need to avoid distractions while you are studying. If you watch the television while trying to revise for your exam, you are going to struggle to focus and you won’t take in as much information as you would if you were in a room with no distractions. 

Aside from this, taking regular breaks is important. If you feel like you are achieving nothing and that information is no longer sinking in, it is time to take a break. Finally, repeat yourself. Over time, pathways between neurons can be strengthened, so simple repetition can be extremely effective.  

Common Revision Mistakes To Avoid

Not only is overlooking past papers a big revision mistake, but there are other common errors you need to avoid when revising. This includes not getting enough sleep. You may think it is a good idea to cram in as much study as possible before your exam, which could lead to you staying up all night. This will do more harm than good, as a lack of sleep can reduce short-term memory. This is why it is so important to begin your revision as early as possible.

In fact, failing to have a timetable is another common revision error to avoid. You should also avoid monochrome notes when studying. Using highlighters or writing in different colour markers can help you study more efficiently. You can also use post-it notes to separate bits of information. You also need to study in a quiet environment, at a desk. So many people study in front of the television and wonder why the information isn’t sinking in properly! Last but not least, don’t simply focus on areas that you know well because you enjoy them more; spend time getting to grips with the difficult stuff.

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